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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

PhD Positions in Earthquake Engineering / Structural Engineering (ENAC/EESD) 1

Mission

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at ENAC at EPFL, Lausanne. Our Laboratory EESD is focused on investigating the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry buildings. Our approches include numerical and mechanical modeling, large-scale testing as well as data-driven methods. 

The PhD candidate will investigate, through experimental testing and numerical modelling, the seismic behaviour of diverse masonry typologies—benchmarking both traditional and modern masonry construction solutions. The project has two complementary objectives: First, the research will focus on understanding and optimizing traditional structural systems that rely on locally available materials and craftsmanship, with the objective of improving the safety and resilience of vernacular architecture in the Global South. Second, in light of climate change and increasing resource limitations, the project seeks to learn from traditional practices across regions. The second goal is to identify and refine construction techniques that could enhance the seismic performance of masonry structures in a sustainable way in the Global North, including Switzerland. A key ambition of the PhD thesis is therefore to evaluate, adapt, and optimize traditional vernacular techniques, and benchmark them against modern masonry solutions, exploring their potential applicability in the Global North.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

  • Experimental testing of both traditional and modern masonry typologies
  • Development of simplified and detailed numerical models to simulate structural behavior
  • Benchmarking traditional and modern masonry materials and construction systems, and optimizing them for application in different regional contexts
  • Contributing to scientific publications and project reports
  • Participate in education and supervise student projects
  • Have full responsibility for your own dissertation

Profile

  • A MSc degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering with a focus on structural engineering
  • Experience or strong interest in experimental methods in structural engineering
  • Interest in traditional construction techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration (engineering, heritage, architecture)
  • Self-motivated, independent, and collaborative mindset
  • Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
  • Familiarity with numerical modeling tools (e.g., OpenSees, Abaqus, DIANA) is an asset
  • Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data analysis is an asset

We offer

  • A stimulating and international working environment
  • Competitive salary and excellent working conditions – more information can be found on our website
    (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)
  • Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research in one of the most dynamic scientific institutions in Europe
  • Opportunity to interact with internationally renowned experts, and with a strong team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students
  • Opportunity to conduct meaningful research bridging engineering, cultural heritage, and development

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered. You are asked to supply:

  • A cover letter outlining your motivation for the position (pdf, up to 2 pages)
  • A single PDF containing:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s grades transcripts
  • Contact information for 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

For any further information, please contact: igor.tomic@epfl.ch or katrin.beyer@epfl.ch (No applications sent to this address shall be considered). Screening of applications will begin on 20 January and will continue until the position is filled

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. Doctoral School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (EDCE).
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. 

Application deadline: [31/01/2026]

Contract Start Date: 04/01/2026 or earlier upon mutual agreement

Activity Rate Min: 100.00

Activity Rate Max: 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: One year, renewable up to four years upon passing of the candidacy exam after the first year

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